GRAND RAPIDS, MI (WHTC-AM/FM) – Michigan legislators are mourning the loss of a former colleague.
Vern Ehlers passed away Tuesday, August 15, at the age of 83. Ehlers represented Michigan’s Third District in Washington between 1993 and 2011, when he retired.
Zeeland Congressman Bill Huizenga released the following statement:
“Vern Ehlers embodied what it meant to be a statesman. Vern’s thoughtful leadership earned the respect and admiration of his colleagues on both sides of the aisle. Vern never lost his passion for teaching which he utilized to build bipartisan support for protecting the Great Lakes as well as the environment. Additionally, he was a tireless advocate for science research funding and STEM education. Vern was a tremendous voice for West Michigan in both Lansing and Washington who will be deeply missed.”
The Republican also served in the state senate for eight years and the state house for two. Before becoming a politician, he taught physics at Calvin College for 16 years.
